New Paintings of Michael Jackson Add Class to Kimera Restaurant

Irvine: Lahila Oppenheimer’s newest paintings of Michael Jackson capture the King of Pop at his most entertaining and energetic. At approximately 48” x 48,” each painting has intricate, psychedelic-like backgrounds enhancing the images in action. Three paintings from this series can be viewed at Kimera Restaurant in Irvine, along with 17 other works by Lahila.

Artist and new-age therapist Lahila has also been a successful pop singer in Europe, and even looks like a subject in her paintings. The tall, willowy blonde favors brightly colored exotic clothing, accented with accessories as wide belts and high boots. Speaking with a slight German accent, she talks exuberantly about the importance of being positive and surrounding ourselves with bright colors that, “give us energy and uplift our spirits.” Applying this philosophy to her paintings, she works with acrylic paint on canvas and glass, applying air brushing and occasional precious metal flakes.

Lahila talks about her four types of paintings. “In the first set, there is always a guy and girl,” she explains, pointing to several brightly colored geometrical works. In these, there is the spirit of appreciation, along with mutual respect as the basis of a great relationship. Lahila says, “These are simplistic works, filled with style, lines, forms, hearts and childlike sophistication. There’s an Alice in Wonderland quality about them, with inspiration from the paintings of Peter Max.”

The Palm Tree series is Lahila’s second set of paintings. These fantasy scenes feature dense green forests of palm trees, filled with bright greens, deep blues, tropical reds, oranges and yellows. They seem to say, “tropical dessert meets the northern forest at the height of summer.”

The third and most mystical set is the Skyline series of classic city scenes, painted onto glass. With titles, “Moon Over Brooklyn,” “San Francisco Dreaming” and “Paris For Lovers,” Lahila paints onto the back of the glass, after creating the initial design. The paint applied first is the most visible. She airbrushes these works to achieve a luminous, otherworldly effect. “I love to try new things,” she says.

The last set of paintings is the very large (up to 48” x 48”) Pop Culture series. Featured are classic images of James Dean, Judy Garland, Boy George, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and recently, Michael Jackson. These brightly colored poster-style paintings are designed for large rooms – to be seen from distances. The newest Michael Jackson series represents a departure from the other Pop Culture paintings. At 48” x 48” each, they are more intricate and action-oriented.

Lahila is a highly skilled artist with no formal training, often working in a childlike, primitive style. “I’ve always painted,” she says. “Painting is a form of expression for me. It’s how I’m wired.”

She also works with jewelry, clothing and ceramic sculptures, and has exhibited at the Sawdust Festival. As a performing artist in Europe, she earned two gold and one platinum album, and has toured the continent extensively as an actor/singer.

Lahila’s art works are the first series to be seen at Kimera, one of three restaurants owned by John Ghoukassian. The Iranian born restaurateur also owns Bistango in Irvine and Bayside in Newport Beach. Each restaurant is known for its art shows of established and emerging contemporary artists.

Kimera Restaurant is famous for its exotic dishes, influenced by different foods from different regions of the world and for its extensive wine list. It is at 19530 Jamboree Road in Irvine, Calif. (949) 261-1222.

The art shows at Kimera, Bistango and Bayside are curated by Studio Gallery of Irvine. Studio Gallery’s services include: consulting, acquisitions and sales of collections and works, planning and curating of exhibitions. Working with local, regional and international artists, emerging, mid-career, established and masters, of all styles and media. Serving private and corporate collections, Studio Gallery can be reached at (949) 851-9181.

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